Five Good Ways To Get Rid of Cellulite
Every woman that has them, hates them-those ripples, dips, and dimples on their thighs, hips, and buttocks. You got it, cellulite, a.k.a. cottage cheese thighs. Cellulite can settle in, regardless of body weight or fitness level. On some you can barely see it, yet on others it's very evident. Donald Robertson, M.D., medical director of the Bariatric Nutrition Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, claims that ninety-nine percent of women develop at least a few ripples after age thirty. And sadly, if nothing is done to remedy it, the cells harden, skin begins to lose its elasticity, and the lumps and bumps become more visible. Let's face it, cellulite isn't sexy, no matter what size you are. Fortunately, by combining a sensible diet with exercise and regular cellulite treatments, you can fight these dreaded dimples.
A Matter of Fat
Cellulite is lumpy, unevenly distributed fatty tissue that primarily occurs in fatty areas between the waist and the knees. Some doctors dismiss cellulite as ordinary fat that can only be remedied through diet and exercise. Yet other experts say cellulite is quite different. Elisabeth Dancey, M.D., author of The Cellulite Solution (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1996), claims that "cellulite is, indeed, mostly fat, but it's not ordinary fatty tissue; it's fatty tissue that has been damaged as a result of certain malfunctions in the body's systems." It's true that a smooth layer of fat is found in everyone's body to insulate and cushion organs, muscles, and nerves. Cellulite, however, is lumpy, provides no cushioning, and is found only in certain areas of the body.
Cellulite and Circulation
Many naturopaths and doctors claim that these unsightly bumps and bulges are caused by a combination of factors such as bad diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and sluggish blood and lymphatic circulation. "Blood is literally the life-force of the body, and maintaining a rich and plentiful blood supply to the fatty tissues is crucial in the prevention of cellulite," says Dancey. When circulation is sluggish and elimination poor, toxins in the bloodstream become lodged in fat cells, creating dimply skin that resembles an orange peel.
Kneadful Things
Massaging troublesome areas not only relaxes and soothes, it can help stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems. The following technique is designed to break down fat, and move wastes and toxins out of the body. For at least three minutes on each leg daily, massage in circular movements, kneading the flesh between thumbs and fingers. Follow with upward sweeping strokes with the flats of your hands. To increase the effectiveness of massage, use the essential oils or natural creams mentioned below.
First Steps to Smoother Thighs
Cellulite experts recommend that people with cellulite follow a detoxifying diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and cut out caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol. Keeping to a low-fat diet, high in fiber and complex carbohydrates is essential; for low-fat, fiber-rich foods are much easier for the body to break down, use, and eliminate than refined junk foods. Avoid sugars and starches, such as cakes, sweets, and chocolates; limit salt, sugar, and spices; stay away from animal fats, such as butter and dairy products; and limit vegetable oils and spreads. Choosing these types of foods will help keep your toxin intake down while helping your body efficiently eliminate the toxins already under your skin. Also, try to drink at least six to eight glasses of water every day. Inadequate water intake contributes to sluggish circulation and inhibits the elimination of wastes. And finally, stop smoking. It too, hampers circulation.
But you can't stop there. Eating well will help you lose weight and minimize toxins, but you must also exercise to improve muscle tone and increase circulation. "Exercise is vital for preventing and eliminating cellulite," says Zia Wesley-Hosford, author of Fifty and Fabulous (Prima Publishing, 1996). "You can't sit around all day and expect not to have cellulite." One of the reasons cellulite can be so evident on a woman's body is lack of muscle tone. This causes the skin to sag, making the dimples worse. Also with exercise, cellulite-causing toxins are efficiently eliminated from the body. Hosford suggests daily aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, to improve circulation and burn fat; and body sculpting exercises, such as weight training and yoga, to tone the muscles in the problem areas. If you're just starting out, gradually work your way up to at least three 30 minute workout sessions per week.
Most cellulite experts will tell you, the first step in getting rid of cellulite is through diet and exercise. But sometimes, good food and daily activity aren't enough. Luckily, there are additional methods that can help in this cellulite struggle.
Keep It Firm
Slowing the effects of aging, keeping skin firm and tight, for as long as possible are important in the fight against cellulite. One of the factors responsible for skin losing its elasticity is free cals. Free radicals travel through cells, disrupting the structure of other molecules, which results in cellular damage. This damage is believed to contribute to aging. Antioxidant vitamins, such as A, C, and E, fight free radicals, neutralize their damage, and render them harmless. Another wrinkle factor is sun exposure. Ultraviolet light accelerates the normal breakdown of collagen and elastin in your skin, accelerating the aging process. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater, whenever you go outdoors.
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